A CURRY spice might be the key to beating a hangover, a study shows.
Turmeric was found to purge alcohol from the bloodstream and reduce symptoms such as headaches.
Curcumin, a chemical found in the spice, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Scientists in South Korea tested curcumin supplements on 27 men and women who drank a 16.5 per cent spirit called Soju.
Some took the pills half an hour before drinking and all gave blood and breath alcohol measurements.
They did symptom questionnaires for 15 hours after.
Those who took the pills had significantly lower blood alcohol levels and lower breath alcohol readings.
And 87 per cent of drinkers who took the tablets had no hangover symptoms, compared to 68 per cent who did not take them.
The liver creates acetaldehyde when digesting alcohol, which builds up to cause morning-after pains.
Dr Bo-Hyung Kim said: “Curcumin facilitates the rapid elimination of acetaldehyde.
“It also exerts antioxidant effects.”
It is likely only supplements have these effects as people cannot absorb enough curcumin from food.
